Abstract

Aim: To systematically review the published literature into whether continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion (CSII) provides any quality of life benefits to users with Type 1 diabetes.
Methods: Electronic databases and published references were used to identify studies published between 1985 and 2005. A multi-step selection process was then undertaken to identify those articles that met the specific selection criteria.
Results: 82 potential relevant articles were identified from examination of titles and abstracts published between 1985 and 2005. Of these, 22 articles were retrieved in full text, of which 15 fulfilled the specific criteria for inclusion. Mixed results emerged from existing literature, specifically of the 5 randomised controlled trials 3 reported mixed results with 1 study reporting quality of life benefits and 1 study reporting no evidence of quality of life benefits.
Conclusion: There is conflicting evidence reported in the various studies on the quality of life benefits of CSII in Type 1 diabetes. There are many flaws in the existing research making a judgement about the quality of life benefits of insulin pump use difficult. This is probably more a function of poor methodology and assessment of quality of life rather than it is of pump therapy not having a quality of life benefit.